The Wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda

Self-Realization Fellowship

Self-Realization Fellowship monks and nuns share Paramahansa Yogananda’s profound inspiration, and their own stories of applying his practical teachings on meditation and balanced living, to encourage you to have a truly victorious life — transcending limitations, fear, and suffering — by awakening to the infinite power and joy of your real Self: the soul.  The teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda (author of Autobiography of a Yogi) and his renowned line of gurus offer to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — a way of life of inner happiness and all-round success. To facilitate the spread of his “how-to-live” teachings worldwide — including the spiritual principles and meditation techniques of Kriya Yoga — Yogananda founded Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in 1920 and established the headquarters for his work in Los Angeles, California, shortly thereafter.  Join us for each new episode of "The Wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda." “Self-realization is the knowing — in body, mind, and soul — that we are one with the omnipresence of God; that we do not have to pray that it come to us, that we are not merely near it at all times, but that God's omnipresence is our omnipresence; that we are just as much a part of Him now as we ever will be. All we have to do is improve our knowing.” — Paramahansa Yogananda 

  1. 1D AGO

    Developing an Intimate Relationship With God Through Prayer

    SRF nun Sister Draupadi conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on cultivating the practice of prayer as a dynamic, essential, and very personal aspect of our daily lives. By doing so we can experience and hold on to our awareness of God as a constant, loving companion and guide at every step of our spiritual journey. In this talk, recorded at the 2015 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles, Sister Draupadi refers to Paramahansa Yogananda, guru and founder of Self‑Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, simply as “Master,” being a reverential way to address one’s guru and signifying a soul who has achieved self‑mastery. Sister Draupadi also refers to Sri Mrinalini Mata, fourth president of SRF/YSS, as “Sanghamataji” — Sanghamata meaning “Mother of the Society,” and “ji” being a suffix denoting respect, added to names and titles in India. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self‑Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home‑study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During her talk, Sister Draupadi refers to the following work published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

    1h 1m
  2. MAY 1

    Experiencing the Inner Harmony — Questions and Answers About Spiritual Living

    SRF monk Brother Satyananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can experience greater inner harmony amid the demands of modern life. This talk provides practical insights on cultivating contentment by the practice of meditation, responding compassionately to others, dealing constructively with change, and recognizing moments of spiritual inspiration as guideposts on the soul’s journey toward peace and ultimate liberation. This talk was given at the SRF Lake Shrine Temple in Pacific Palisades, California, in March 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Satyananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Man’s Eternal Quest,” Volume I of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/mans-eternal-quest-ebook/ “Spiritual Diary: An Inspirational Thought for Each Day of the Year,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/spiritual-diary/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

    33 min
  3. APR 24

    Be Messengers of God’s Light and Love

    Sri Mrinalini Mata (1931 – 2017), fourth president and spiritual head of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, draws from her years of personal training with Paramahansa Yogananda to exhort us all to be channels of God’s light and love to help illumine this world. This deeply encouraging talk, recorded at the 2011 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles, was the first time Mrinalini Mata addressed an international gathering of SRF/YSS members and friends after becoming president of SRF/YSS. Topics include:  A tribute to the lineage of divine souls responsible for the founding and growth of Self-Realization Fellowship The most common question of devotees: “Why am I not making more spiritual progress?” How to manifest a conquering spirit, no matter what one’s difficulties may be The spiritual efficacy of Kriya Yoga and how its devoted practice bestows assurance of spiritual progress Personal reminiscences of her years spent with Paramahansa Yogananda An inspiring account of the last days of Sri Daya Mata, late beloved president of SRF/YSS.Mrinalini Mata was one of the close disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda personally chosen and trained by him to help guide his worldwide society after his passing. She dedicated more than seventy years to selflessly serving her Guru’s work, fulfilling the roles of editor-in-chief and vice president for many decades, and president of SRF/YSS from 2011 until her passing in 2017. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! In this talk Sri Mrinalini Mata often refers to Paramahansa Yogananda, guru and founder of SRF/YSS, simply as “Gurudeva,” a customary Sanskrit term for one’s spiritual preceptor; or “Master,” one who has achieved self-mastery. To view more talks by Sri Mrinalini Mata: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3Pzvi9fMgSyq8Dayb20fFcuTTC During her talk, Sri Mrinalini Mata refers to the following work published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

    1h 22m
  4. APR 10

    Gaining the Wealth of Inner Happiness

    SRF monk Brother Padmananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can experience lasting happiness. Perfect joy, or bliss, is the inherent nature of the soul. And when we learn to employ simple yet effective spiritual practices that turn our attention toward the divine presence within, we can open a channel for the soul’s perfect peace, love, and joy to flow more freely into our awareness and our lives. This talk was given at the SRF temple in San Diego, California, in November 2025. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Padmananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You,” Yogananda’s commentary on the teachings of Jesus, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

    38 min
  5. MAR 27

    The Deeper Teachings of Jesus

    SRF monk Brother Nikhilananda shares profound insights from Paramahansa Yogananda into the universal teachings of Jesus and how being aware of their deeper meaning can help us understand our own oneness with the Divine. Through inspiring stories and practical guidance, this talk highlights that it is within our power to develop our personal relationship with God — and allow divine love to manifest in our daily life as kindness, forgiveness, and compassion toward all. This talk was given at the SRF temple in San Diego, California, in March 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Nikhilananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Enter the Quiet Heart: Creating a Loving Relationship With God,” by Sri Daya Mata, third president of SRF/YSS, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/enter-the-quiet-heart-ebook/ “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You,” Yogananda’s commentary on the teachings of Jesus, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

    28 min
  6. MAR 20

    Embracing Our Spiritual Resilience

    SRF monk Brother Jayananda discusses how Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings enable us to develop spiritual resilience — the inner strength that allows us to meet life’s challenges with calmness, faith, and a deep awareness of God’s presence. Brother Jayananda draws, as well, from stories of Paramahansa Yogananda’s own courage and perseverance, providing principles that will help us transform any obstacles into opportunities for spiritual growth and greater happiness. In this talk Brother Jayananda refers to Paramahansa Yogananda, guru and founder of Self‑Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, simply as “Master,” being a reverential way to address one’s guru and signifying a soul who has achieved self‑mastery. This talk was recorded at the 2016 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self‑Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home‑study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Jayananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Autobiography of a Yogi,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

    54 min
  7. MAR 6

    Intuition and Trust in God: Guiding Lights in a Chaotic World

    SRF monk Brother Ishtananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on why we would want to make cultivating our intuition a priority and how greater intuition will allow us to make better choices — even when outer circumstances are difficult or chaotic. Each of us has the potential to develop our intuition — the soul’s natural ability to directly perceive Truth — and use its power to improve our lives. And on the spiritual path, it is through intuition that we come to experience the peace and harmony, and ultimately the ever new joy, of Spirit within. In this talk Brother Ishtananda refers to Yogananda, guru and founder of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, simply as “Guruji” — “ji” being a suffix denoting respect, added to names and titles in India — or “Gurudeva,” a customary Sanskrit term for one’s spiritual preceptor; or “Master,” one who has achieved self-mastery. Brother Ishtananda also refers to Sri Daya Mata, beloved third president of SRF/YSS, simply and reverentially as “Ma.” This talk was recorded at the 2007 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Ishtananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You,” Yogananda’s commentary on the teachings of Jesus, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-ebook/ “Intuition: Soul Guidance for Life’s Decisions,” by Sri Daya Mata, third president of SRF/YSS, available at: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/intuition-soul-guidance-for-lifes-decisions-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

    1h 5m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Self-Realization Fellowship monks and nuns share Paramahansa Yogananda’s profound inspiration, and their own stories of applying his practical teachings on meditation and balanced living, to encourage you to have a truly victorious life — transcending limitations, fear, and suffering — by awakening to the infinite power and joy of your real Self: the soul.  The teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda (author of Autobiography of a Yogi) and his renowned line of gurus offer to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — a way of life of inner happiness and all-round success. To facilitate the spread of his “how-to-live” teachings worldwide — including the spiritual principles and meditation techniques of Kriya Yoga — Yogananda founded Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in 1920 and established the headquarters for his work in Los Angeles, California, shortly thereafter.  Join us for each new episode of "The Wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda." “Self-realization is the knowing — in body, mind, and soul — that we are one with the omnipresence of God; that we do not have to pray that it come to us, that we are not merely near it at all times, but that God's omnipresence is our omnipresence; that we are just as much a part of Him now as we ever will be. All we have to do is improve our knowing.” — Paramahansa Yogananda 

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